I thought I “knew” Jimmy Osmond—at least a little bit. After all, I grew up watching him and his multitalented family dance and sing their way to entertainment icon status. Since then, Jimmy has had oodles of success off-stage as one savvy businessman who’s also retained allegiance to faith, family and ethics.

He and his brothers and sister have sold over 100 million records, even as Jimmy spread his entrepreneurial wings to oversee the family’s merchandising. He’s appeared in movies, on countless television shows, and in musical theater here and abroad—the list is long. He’s also produced and financed a plethora of live productions from record-breaking concert tours to Las Vegas extravaganzas.

As President of Osmond Entertainment, he’s been an executive producer for the major networks. He’s owned and operated production studio facilities and live performance theaters for over 25 years, acquiring the Andy Williams Moon River Theater in Branson, Mo. In Utah, Jimmy is Chairman of the Board of Osmond Real Estate and Development. He’s also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Children’s Miracle Network, and has been instrumental in raising more than $5 billion to benefit 170 children’s hospitals here and in Canada.

Jimmy and wife Michelle have four children, and as an avid proponent of children’s literacy, he’s just published a new children’s book with a very familiar ring to it: the “Awesome Possum Family Band” (Regnery Kids; 2014; $16.99). Fans can join him and brothers Jay and Merrill on a cruise in the Western Caribbean March 30 – April 4. He’s been on a quest of his own to get healthier, and he’s winning. Read how here.

Jimmy, tell us about your diet. Any particular nutrition plan you follow?

As a child, performing in Vegas, I could be really naughty, eating grilled cheese or Monte Cristo sandwiches and drinking orange freezes, then traveling to do more than 100 shows a year. I was always a little chubby and people sometimes made fun of me. It was hard on my self-esteem—and hard on my body as I got older and heavier. I had to make a change. Four months ago I eliminated bread, sugar and dairy, and added a nutritional supplement. I’ve lost 36 pounds and stopped thinking about food as an emotional crutch. I very much want to set the right example for my children.

What’s your workout or exercise routine?

I want consistency in life at 51 and don’t want to be a muscular bodybuilder anymore—never liked the gym. I go on walks, and since I’ve lost weight, I have energy and I’m moving more. I know I can’t sustain five miles every day, though.

What’s one health habit you’d still like to break? How are you doing with that?

I was an ice creamaholic. I ate it every night and dairy seems to ‘stick’ on you. Now I have it once in a while and I feel so much more in control. That trickles down to other levels, and makes me more effective in my work.

You suffered a surprise stroke in 2004. Had you experienced any warning signs?

It was actually a transient ischemic attack that occurred due to a hole in my heart [a patent foramen ovale or PFO that doesn’t close as it should after birth]. A blood clot ‘popped’ in my head—not due to high blood pressure or high cholesterol. I went on stage and felt that ‘pop’ and then lost my vision, although I could see a little ‘pin’ spot. I thought it was a migraine and amazingly, I drove home. After a diagnosis by an echocardiogram, I had the defect surgically repaired at the University of Utah. I did feel the aftereffects for 10 years, and would sometimes get a numb feeling. I’m one hundred percent now!

How have you altered or improved your lifestyle since that event?

I want to be here for my amazing wife and kids—and my great life. At one point, it was difficult to get out of a chair, but I wanted to be out there kicking a soccer ball with them. I wanted to live.

What would you say to other people whose blood pressure or cholesterol may be too high, who may be smoking, and who aren’t getting enough exercise—all risk factors for stroke?

I needed something bigger than me to motivate me—that’s what a lot of people need. It’s funny where you get an extra boost of energy and mine came from my family and from my belief in God. I needed to do it for them, and for my brothers and sister. If you don’t love yourself, look around at who you do love and do it for them.

Your family ties are remarkable. I mean in entertainment these days, there are families—and there are families. How do you sustain that loyalty and devotion?

Sharing is so much more rewarding than padding your own pocket. My parents, Olive and George, were so service-oriented. They always prayed and asked, ‘Who can I help today?’ They lived the happiest lives of anybody I’ve ever known and they stood for something. What we put into life propels us forward.

You’re a champion of children’s literacy. Why did you publish your new book now?

I’ve always been a cartoonist and used to have cartoon strip in Japan. I developed characters for Warner Brothers. A friend suggested I do an autobiography, like the rest of the family. I did the character design, along with Bob Ostrom, who also did the illustrations.

What’s autobiographical here?

I always wondered, ‘Where do I fit? I’m not as good-looking as Donnie, as good a singer as Marie, but I am going to be me.’ We’re like fish in an aquarium with Marie, the angelfish; Donnie, the shark; and Wayne, the clownfish. I’m the suckerfish, keeping the sides of the aquarium clean. I learned the discipline my parents gave us, along with self-esteem and direction. I found my peace. So many kids don’t have that. I wanted this book to be about that.

Jimmy Osmond plays a possum's tune in his new book. (Regnery Kids)

You’re on the board of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and wow! The network has raised more than $5 billion. Why are you and the family so committed?

A lot of people think that big children’s hospitals have plenty of money but they don’t. It takes organizations and corporate partners like we have to provide the funds to buy that extra piece of medical equipment. One hundred percent of the money stays local. I remember when my daughter had seizures, and the very piece of equipment helping her had our CMN balloon on it. When you’re a daddy, you’d give anything you have for your kid. I did so much with the program in the public eye and behind the scenes, but until my kid actually needed a hospital I didn’t really get it. Now I do. It’s really reached beyond what any of us ever thought would happen. It’s wonderful.

Stephanie Stephens is certain that at age 45+, the best time of our lives is now. So what are we waiting for?She writes, produces, and hosts her multimedia channel, Mind Your Body TV, featuring timely health and lifestyle blogs, podcasts, and videos—also seen on YouTube and syndicated by AOL/On.

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